Biotin

– A well-balanced diet affects everything from how your brain functions to how your organs work to how you appear to those around you. Getting all of the essential vitamins that your body requires is important if you want to feel and look your best every day. If your doctor has recommended that you start on a biotin supplement, drugstore.com can help. We have an array of biotin formulas with different dosages to meet your needs.
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What Is Biotin?

Biotin is one of the 13 essential vitamins that the body needs to work properly. Although it is a part of the B vitamin complex, the nutrient is sometimes referred to as vitamin H. In the body, biotin assists with the digestion of food. Biotin is found in many foods, including the yolks of eggs, beans, nuts, bananas, cauliflower, whole grains and mushrooms. It is found in multivitamins, B complex vitamins and in standalone dietary supplements.

Why Take Biotin?

It is rare for adults to have a biotin deficiency, so in most cases, supplements are used to provide the body with an increased amount of the nutrient in order to help address specific concerns. Many scientists believe that biotin can offer benefits for a number of conditions; however, its proposed uses are still being researched and there is no guarantee that the nutrient is beneficial for any one condition. Often times, people take biotin in order to promote thicker hair growth, stronger nails and healthy skin because the nutrient is needed to produce the proteins that form the hair, nail and skin tissue. Biotin is also sometimes used by those with diabetes, nerve pain (neuropathy) and a skin condition called seborrehic dermatitis. A physician may also recommend additional biotin to help ensure proper nutrition during kidney dialysis.

Which Biotin Should I Take?

If you're looking to add a biotin supplement to your diet, one of the first things to consider is the dosage that you require. Each supplement provides a specific amount of biotin per serving, and the amount is typically measured in micrograms, which are abbreviated with the letters "mcg." In addition to comparing the biotin dosage in products, you'll also want to think about the form of the supplement. Biotin comes in tablets, which can be cut into pieces to adjust the dosage. You can also find soft gels and capsules that are easy to swallow and supplements that will dissolve in your mouth.

Is Biotin Safe to Use?

Biotin is not likely to cause side effects when taken under the supervision of a doctor or health care provider at the dosage recommended. This makes it important that you discuss supplementation with a medical professional prior to beginning a supplement routine. If you’re pregnant, breastfeeding or take any type of medication, it is doubly important that you consult a doctor prior to starting on a biotin supplement to help ensure that it is safe for you.